Experts around Northwest High School were interviewed and gave some great advice for those who are dealing with this disorder.


Q: What are a few local agencies that could help those suffering withh eating disorders?

A: Mrs. Disbro: "Hospitals and various clinics would be a good place to start. I'm sure the Mercy Health Plex (in Fairfield) would have a program."

A: Mr. Mabis: "I first would call a family doctor or pediatrician, depending on if that family has a good relationship with the doctor. Children's Hospital or a medical center, such as a Mercy Behavioral Health Unit, would be helpful as well."

A: Mrs. Overbeck: "The Lindner Center, in West Chester, is a sought after center for eating disorders. It's very expensive, but I've heard it's very effective. Cincinnati Children's would also be a helpful place to go."



Q: How prevalent do you think eating disorders are in Northwest High School, and how do you think Northwest is impacted by them?
A: Mrs. Disbro: "I am not sure, but I read an article stating that more than half of U.S. teens have or have had an eating disorder, so I'm sure we have students with eating disorders here also."

A: Mr. Mabis: "I am not sure of how prevalent eating disorders are here, or the impact of them on Northwest."

A: Mrs. Overbeck: "You can't always detect eating disorders. We have a small percent here, but I'm sure there are more cases that we don't know about."

Q: What are ways Northwest High School could help those with eating disorders?
A: Mrs. Disbro: "Northwest could start some sort of wellness group or support group for eating disorder. Online support groups would be helpful also. The guidence office could offer help to those with eating disorders as well."

A: Mr. Mabis: "Northwest could start programs for people with eating disorders. Counselors, Administrators, Teachers, and other staff should stress to students to share issues they are dealing with, and to seek help with a trusted adult. If you have any concerns, make sure you find somone to talk to."

A: Mrs. Overbeck: "Counselors are always helpful to people with eating disorders. We don't really have any groups, but I wish we had more things for them."

Q: What are some of the psychological effects of eating disorders?
A: Mrs. Disbro: "It is a psychological disorder, not a physical disorder. The mindset of a person with an eating disorder must be changed first before they are able to recover. A person with an eating disorder also has a continued perception of being overweight."

A: Mr. Mabis: "Depression may be either a cause or a correlation with eating disorders. People with eating disorders who have very little control over their lives, control their weight and the things they eat. The main psychological effect is depression."

A: Mrs. Overbeck: "There are a lot of psychological effects that go along with eating disorders. These can include self esteem, stress, and other emotional problems. Usually, there is a lot more going on which can cause it."


Q: What are some common causes of eating disorders?
A: Mrs. Disbro: "The main causes are society's perception of what someone should look like, self esteem, and peer pressure."

A: Mr. Mabis: "Depression is the main cause, which starts out as low self esteem. Society's expectation of wanting women to be slender affects the cause of eating disorders too. Obsession is another cause of eating disorders."

A: Mrs. Overbeck: "The main causes are emotional problems, stress, and peer pressure."